Director, Automation

AbbVie

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: North Chicago, IL
Salary: $160,500–$305,000 / yr
Posted: 24 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Closes: Aug 18, 2126
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $224k

This role $233k

$143k most similar roles pay here $322k

This role pays more than 54% of similar roles. Most pay $184,187–$264,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $233k versus about $224k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions in immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care. Its products include Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq.

AbbVie currently has 297 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $109,500–$208,500 across 271 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at AbbVie

At a glance

TL;DR · Director, Automation

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The Director, Automation holds global responsibility for the operation and maintenance of automated process control systems within the Manufacturing and Engineering Services organization. This leader manages a virtual Community of Practice and a team of engineers to ensure consistent service delivery, data integrity, and compliance across all manufacturing sites. Key responsibilities include designing strategic technical programs, overseeing training initiatives, managing global sourcing contracts, and implementing cost reduction and interface standardization projects. The role requires deep expertise in distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, PLC, instrumentation, and OSI-PI technologies. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering and extensive experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology operational best practices. This position solves critical challenges regarding system risks, mitigation strategies, and long-term technology investments to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient automated manufacturing processes across the global enterprise.

Skills

DCS PLC SCADA OSI-PI Automation Engineering Instrumentation Control Systems Data Integrity Network Security Process Control

What you'll do

Manage the global operation and maintenance of automated process control systems.
Design and implement strategic technical programs to ensure consistent service delivery and compliance.
Lead a global team of engineers and a virtual Community of Practice for automation.
Establish and maintain global standards for reliability, performance, and compliant practices.
Oversee the development and implementation of technical training programs for automation staff.
Support global sourcing for contracts involving DCS, PLC, SCADA, and other control systems.
Research and implement initiatives for cost reduction, reliability improvement, and user interface standardization.
Provide audit support to site teams to ensure consistent practices and remediation.

What we're looking for

B.S. in Engineering required.
Minimum of 15 years of technical experience with demonstrated expertise in automation engineering and large global initiatives or capital projects.
Minimum of 5 years leading technical teams (regionally or globally preferred).
Experience leading virtual teams and rolling out regional or global initiatives.
Subject matter expertise in distributed control systems, SCADA systems, PLC, instrumentation, and controls.
Understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology operational best practices and regulatory expectations.
Thorough understanding of data integrity and network security (highly desirable).
Strong communication skills.

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